The promise Camborne Town Council has made to its Armed Forces

Camborne’s town council already had close ties with its Armed Forces community. On Thursday evening (12 November) it put that relationship down in writing.

Councillors, officers and community partners gathered in the Passmore Edwards Building at 5.30pm, ahead of the council’s full monthly meeting, to watch Camborne Town Council formally sign its pledge to the Armed Forces Covenant.

Refreshments, then a few words

Guests had time to network over refreshments before Jon Beake, from Defence Relationship Management in the Armed Forces Covenant, opened proceedings with an introductory speech.

The Mayor of Camborne, Cllr Edward Chapman, then spoke on behalf of the council. He said it was proud of, and thankful for, the strong working relationships it has already built with local Armed Forces communities, represented by the guests in the room.

He also spoke about why it mattered to make that commitment formal by pledging support for the Covenant. And he said he hoped others across the parish would do the same.

What the council has promised

The pledge carries a series of commitments. Among them:

Promoting the Armed Forces

Flag flying, hosting and attending events, and supporting the Mayor’s Cadet roles. The council will also work closely with Camborne‘s Royal British Legion branch on both national and local anniversary events.

Backing Armed Forces organisations

That means continued support for groups such as charities helping veterans, the bereaved, families and defence personnel. It could take the form of meeting space, Community Grants, promoting their activities, councillors or staff sitting on their committees, and joint events.

Jobs and a voice for service families

On employment, the council intends to become an active member of the Defence Employer Scheme, making sure its policies and recruitment processes support current and future defence employees.

It has also committed to recognising, representing and advocating for the needs of defence personnel and their families whenever it campaigns or lobbies for change on behalf of residents.

Signed at the table

The Mayor then signed the pledge on behalf of Camborne Town Council, alongside representatives from the Armed Forces Covenant and the military.

Edward said: “By signing in support of the covenant, Camborne Town Council have made the promise that we will continue to acknowledge and understand that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, including the bereaved, should be treated with fairness and respect in the communities, economy and society that they serve with their lives.”